Interview with Mickey, Nate, Anne, Ryan, Erik and Chris
JM: Did you have regular access to telephones? Mickey: Yes, at certain times. Nate: Yes. Anne: Whenever we were out of our cells, I could make
collect calls. I was in a split pod with both
minimum and medium security so we were down for
30 hours at a time out for 3 down for five and
out two then down thirty. Every other day I could
call. Ryan: yes Erik: Yes, whenever not on lockdown Chris: Yes there was regular access to telephones.
JM: What types of charges applied for calling people? How much money would you guess the average inmate spends per week on phone calls? Mickey: Very expensive, and only through certain carriers.
My parents had to get rid of call waiting, and put
money on an account for the phone for me to be
able to call. Nate: They were only collect calls. Anne: Three bucks to initialize or accept the call and
I dunno how much.. My boyfriend bought a calling
card and the calls were billed at a flat rate and
kept to five minutes. That is the best recall I
have. Ryan: none Erik: Standard collect calls work to landlines, cellphones
required an account being set up the owner. $50 gets
eaten up quick with connect fees and what not Chris: Horrible charges were given to whomever you called
collect. It is like $4 just to initiate the call.
JM: Did you need to buy phone cards to call out? Mickey: You can but you don't need to. Nate: No. Anne: No. I did have one person I would just call
collect. Not many people I know have home lines
which accept the calls. In fact, two people to
be exact. My phone card took twelve days to
activate. That was a long 12 days and not really
any opportunity to call customer service. lol. Erik: They can be purchased but are not mandatory Chris: You could buy phone cards if you wanted to.
JM: Did the jail screen your calls? Mickey: Yes. Nate: I don't know. Anne: Oh I am sure they did. A recording at the
beginning of every call told us they would be
monitored. Ryan: yes, and listen, even disconnected several
important calls. Erik: they say they do but who knows Chris: Yes. The pricks are always listening in.